Porcelain was a relatively unknown in Europe during the 18th century. The Chinese were dominating the porcelain business and only people from royalty would have true porcelain products imported. The first porcelains produced in Europe were made at faience factories. “Faience” was a form of fake porcelain that attempted to mimic the hard, durable shiny hard paste porcelain the Chinese were successfully constructing, and selling. In 1740, the Royal Manufactory was established in Vincennes in one of the towers of the old royal Chateau (2). After years of trial and error, patent granted for a bright white soft-paste – a mix of powdered glass and marl with lead oxide and chalk. It wasn’t until 1768 when hard-paste porcelain was produced. These soft-paste dainty wine coolers were designed in by Jean-Claude Duplessis; the director of the modeling workshop at the Vincennes Manufactory who was responsible for the success of designing the shape and size of the pieces. The sky blue glaze is known as blue céleste – one of the most expensive glazes to produce, but also the most popular throughout the 18th century. This set was made when artists were just beginning to utilize the brilliant blue céleste glaze, and it took some difficulty to figure out how to get the color just right. These wine coolers were two out of the eight produced for the dinner and dessert service ordered by Louis XV in 1751 to be delivered as a gift to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman (1). The set was delivered between 1753 and 1755 because of the extensive amount of pieces involved. The service included many new and expensive forms of porcelain. It was to be expected to produce a new set for every order made by the king. Beverage services such as tea, coffee, and chocolate were a new and exotic practice that European Royals took very seriously. These two baby blue wine coolers are quite unique, and at the same time, quite typical of the elite decorative assumptions of the time – reflective of “oriental” themes, natural/floral motifs and gilt detail. The coolers are beautiful and delicate, suggesting they were meant as much for decoration as they were for dining room utility. The gold detailing throughout the blue celeste really brings out the vibrant colors throughout the body as well as the two small handles on each side made so that servants could more easily bring the coolers tableside. At first glance, the coolers appear to be identical, but after a closer look you can see that the intricate flower assemblage between the two is slightly different, and the texture and patterning of the gold leafing differs as well. The flower detailing inside the thin gold foliage is exceptionally well done, reflecting the high level of skill at the time where porcelain was just beginning to be produced (1). Unfortunately the painter of this set from factory at Sèvres is unknown. The purples, blues and greens throughout the flower vignettes balance out the bright glaze of the blue céleste and one can imagine how visually pleasing the set would’ve looked like all together. Comparing these objects to the sources of their inspiration, several similarities and departures from the source form are apparent. This pair of Qianlong period, (circa 1750) coolers, are also intricately decorated in blue (the elusive, original Chinese blue under glaze, that European potters sought tirelessly to copy) and similarly suggest an interest in natural, floral and avian themes. While the French pieces are round, the Qianlong pieces are oval, but both sport “ears” for lifting and similarly flared bases. The Chinese porcelain from this period tended to be decorated simply, in blue and white, while the more ornate French version, with its multi-color detail and gold trim represent a departure from Chinese simplicity to garishness we more commonly associate with the European royalty. After the death of Louis XIV in 1715 is when the craze of sparkling wine (or champagne) began to grow, and soon became the most popular alcoholic beverage to consume day to day. When the King would drink at dinner, there was a specific process his servants would have to complete to retrieve him a glass of wine, which was expected to be chilled to the proper temperature (3). The 18th century was a period of enlightenment with technology advancements and an emphasis on political ideals. Decorative culture emulated societal changes in France and with revolution, royal pompousness fell into some disfavor For elites, wine was commonly imported from South Africa, and sparkling champagne was out of reach for common people, who indulged in rougher, locally produced beverages. For all classes, alcoholic beverages played a huge role in society, and were used more as a medicine than a comforting beverage after a long day. Cultural traditions around drinking and drink-ware, has evolved and cross-pollinated in the centuries since these beautiful objects were created. Wine coolers are a rarity in most American homes today, and when they do appear, they tend to be made of a simple utilitarian thermo design, engineered to maximize function. These “antique” objects are more popular than ever among collectors, however, whose fascination with their beauty and history has driven up their value far beyond their usefulness. For most “common” people today, decent wine can be had at any corner liquor store and a large bag of wine can be had for under $15 and easily chilled in the fridge. Knock-off coolers like these beauties can still be found, but these days, they are more commonly used to hold houseplants than to house wine. (1) Jeffery H. Munger, "Wine-bottle coller (sea à bouteille)." Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, i.e. The Met Museum. 2010. Accessed May 8, 2017. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1970.230.4/ (2) Jeffrey Munger, "French Porcelain in the Eighteenth Century." Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, i.e. The Met Museum. 2003. Accessed May 8, 2017. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/porf/hd_porf.htm (3) "A Drink For the King." This is Versailles. 2014. Accessed May 7, 2017. http://thisisversaillesmadame.blogspot.com/search?q=wine (4) Michele Fricke, "French Porcelain in the 18th Century." Melanie Sherman Ceramics. Accessed May 8 2017. http://www.melaniesherman.com/french-porcelain-in-the-18th-century/ (5) "A Pair of Wine Coolers." The Chinese Porcelain Company. Accessed May 7, 2017. http://chineseporcelaincompany.com/pieces/a-pair-of-wine-coolers/
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